Interview
Edith Torres
Edith is an accomplished artist with over 25 years of professional experience. Her artistic journey began in early childhood, where she discovered her passion for drawing and painting. Originally from Colombia, Edith has embraced various cultures, spending considerable time in Spain, Sweden, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Currently based in Plano, Texas, her extensive travels and multicultural exposure greatly influence her artistic vision. Edith's artistic repertoire encompasses a diverse range of mediums, including collage, encaustics, acrylic, ink, oil, watercolor, and even elements of cubism. Her non-figurative expressions serve as a spiritual odyssey, utilizing a rich palette of colors, stains, drips, dribbles, and symbols with intuitive finesse.
Through her art, Edith communicates profound emotions and inspiration, inviting viewers into a world where each stroke and hue conveys a narrative of its own. Her work resonates with a deep sense of connection and spirituality, inviting observers to embark on their own introspective journeys. She engages in a dynamic fusion of mediums, including collage, encaustics, acrylics, ink, oil, watercolor, and elements of Cubism. Through intuitive exploration, Edith channels profound emotions and inspiration onto the canvas. Each stroke, drip, and symbol is infused with intention, reflecting a blend of creative finesse and spiritual journey. This process serves as a conduit for self-expression, allowing her to communicate her innermost thoughts and experiences in a visually captivating manner. It's a journey of discovery and connection, where each artwork becomes a reflection of her unique perspective on the world. Through this process, Edith seeks to evoke emotions and spark introspection in viewers, inviting them to interpret and connect with the narrative woven into each piece. Edith received her Master’s degree in education with a concentration in Museology from the Caribbean University, Bayamon in Puerto Rico. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in painting from the Escuela Artes Plásticas (School of Fine Arts), San Juan in Puerto Rico.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My artistic journey began in early childhood, discovering a passion for drawing and painting. Originally from Colombia, I have embraced various cultures, spending considerable time in Spain, Sweden, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Currently based in Plano, Texas, my extensive travels and multicultural exposure greatly influence my artistic vision. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in painting from the Escuela de Artes Plásticas in San Juan, Puerto Rico, graduating magna cum laude. Additionally, I earned a Master’s degree in education with a concentration in Museology from Caribbean University in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. These academic experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to art, blending traditional techniques with innovative perspectives.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My work, especially the series Echoes of Empathy, explores how human emotions intertwine and reflect among people. While it doesn’t directly address specific political issues, it emphasizes empathy and how our emotional experiences impact others. My pieces invite viewers to reflect on their own emotional connections and how empathy deepens our understanding of each other.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My process is a combination of both. I plan a basic structure for each piece, but leave room for improvisation, allowing emotions to guide the development. In the Echoes of Empathy series, I start with a general idea, but the process of layering materials and colors is intuitive, which makes each piece unique and expressive.”
“My work, especially the series Echoes of Empathy, explores how human emotions intertwine and reflect among people.”
Are there any art world trends are you following?
“I am following trends that incorporate collage techniques and work with oil, acrylic, and resin to encapsulate layers and give them a three-dimensional quality. Collage allows memories and emotions to unfold in layers, while Cubism inspires each piece’s structure, showing multiple perspectives of a single experience. Resin provides a lasting finish and emphasizes the idea that our experiences endure and resonate over time.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I use a variety of materials and techniques, including oil, acrylic, and resin to create depth and a three-dimensional quality in my work. Collage is a key technique, allowing memories and emotions to unfold in layers. Additionally, I draw inspiration from Cubism to structure each piece, showcasing multiple perspectives of a single experience. Resin provides a lasting finish, highlighting the enduring nature of our experiences.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Art is my way of exploring and expressing complex emotions. It represents a safe space to process personal experiences and connect with others through universal feelings. For me, each piece is an invitation to empathy, a way to reflect on the shared nature of our emotions. My work is both a visual diary and a bridge to understanding others emotionally.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“One of my favorite works is Les Demoiselles d’Avignon by Pablo Picasso for its groundbreaking approach to Cubism and how it deconstructs the human form from multiple angles. This piece inspires me to explore emotions and perspectives in my own work, capturing the complexity of each experience. It reminds me that art can break both visual and emotional barriers, something I aim to replicate in my own work.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“One of my most significant exhibitions was the Arena Frisco Fair in Texas, where I presented the ‘Echoes of Empathy’ series. The audience's response was deeply meaningful, inviting viewers to reflect on their emotional experiences and resonating with the theme of empathy. I've also participated in several group shows and collaborations with galleries, enriching my career and expanding my perspective as an artist.
Key exhibitions include:
• 2023: City Hall, Dallas, Texas
• 2023: Artexpo Zurich
• 2023: Art Show Internacional Gallery
• 2023: 3rd Salón Bienal of Puerto Rico
• 2022: Lincoln Center, Dallas, Texas
• 2022: Art Expo Dallas, Texas
• 2022: Eisemann Center, Richardson, Texas
These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my artistic journey.”
Website: www.edithtorresfineart.com
Instagram: @edithtorresfineart
Other links: www.facebook.com/edith.torres.547